The Daily Star Sunday revealed recently how Hernandez (below) is at the top of Atletico Madrid’s hitlist should they lose prolific Colombian Radamel Falcao, 26, next summer.

But now Italian side Fiorentina and Portuguese giants Porto have entered the race after claims the striker is frustrated with life at Old Trafford.

A source close to the hitman, who is under contract until June 2016, said: “Javier is not content at the moment. The presence of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney makes life complicated for him there.”

Sir Alex Ferguson does not want to lose Hernandez, often used by the Scot as a supersub this season.

The United boss rates the man known as Chicharito – Little Pea – as one of the most promising young strikers around.

He has scored nine goals this season despite limited minutes on the pitch, including a double at Aston Villa as United came from 2-0 down to win five weeks ago.

He also scored twice against Braga in the Champions League as the Red Devils pulled off a similar result at Old Trafford in October.

Ferguson insists he needs four top strikers to compete in the Premier League and the Champions League this season.

But Hernandez, 24, feels he should be starting more matches after coming off the bench to score the winner in another 3-2 victory at Chelsea in October.

United paid around £7million to sign him from Mexican club Guadalajara in 2010 and would want close to double that if he left.

Meanwhile, midfielder Darren Fletcher believes United have the “strongest squad around” because of the ­competition for places.

“In terms of starting XI and strength in depth we have a real quality squad,” he said.

“There is so much competition for places and that is great for the manager.”